Activities
The word ‘bored’ doesn’t exist around here. Not when you could be clinging to the crags on a rock-climbing experience in a national park, cycling cross-county through ancient heathlands or joining a subterranean adventure into limestone caves. If these adventure holidays sound a bit extreme for you, try more sedate outdoor activities like a gentle afternoon on horseback in a former royal hunting forest, rural rambles along a foodie trail or fossil hunting on a prehistoric beach. Or perhaps you’d like to try something new on your activity holidays. Archery lessons in an ancient forest and countryside llama trekking sound pretty cool, don’t they?
Take a cruise along the River Ouse
The city of York owes its existence to the rivers. Escape the city rush and admire the scenery from the comfort of a City Cruises boat.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Explore the city of York by bike
York is voted as one of the most bike-friendly cities in England with a wide range of cycle routes through the city and beyond.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
See England's finest view from Sutton Bank
Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Find out if he was right…
Location: Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Take on adventures aplenty in Dalby Forest
See some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside from a mountain bike, Segway, tree-top trail and by night, at one of the UK’s premier activity centres.
Location: Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Sit back with a picnic and enjoy the view
Rest your feet and enjoy your picnic whilst overlooking the beautiful scenery of the North Yorkshire coast.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Saddle up for windswept romance on the Yorkshire coast
When it comes to romantic things to do, it’s doesn’t get much better than a windswept horse ride, followed by retreating to a cosy lodge.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Explore, learn and discover on the Dinosaur Coast
Find your own fossils and discover what it was like to live 180 million years ago.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Explore the Forge Valley
A walk through 165 million years of history.
Location: Forge Valley, North Yorkshire
Explore some of England’s most dramatic caves
Head underground to gaze in wonder at the fascinating caves that form a major, but hidden, part of the Yorkshire Dales landscape.
Location: Ingleton, North Yorkshire
Enjoy the ultimate free flying experience over North York Moors
If you’ve got a head for heights and the being ratcheted up to a thousand feet fills you with excitement, a gliding lesson might be just the ticket.
Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Cycle along the old coastal railway line to Whitby
Ride 21 view-filled and traffic-free miles along the ‘Cinder Track’, the old coastal railway line between Scarborough and Whitby.
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire
Sample the great outdoors in Nidderdale
The striking scenery, character, historic landmarks and wildlife of this Yorkshire Dales Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are made for adventure.
Location: Pateley Bridge/Masham, North Yorkshire
Trek across the North York Moors with a team of huskies
Set out on an intrepid adventure holiday with Pesky Husky, an adrenalin-pumping experience for active types looking to feel the wind in their hair.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
May events: Put your best foot forward at WalkFest
Put a spring in your step over the spring bank holiday weekend at the North York Moors National Park’s annual walking festival.
Location: North York Moors, North Yorkshire
Mermaids, dinosaurs and pirate adventure on the Yorkshire Coast
Hunt for fossils on the beach or solve the mermaid mystery and sail on a pirate ship. Go on a dinosaur walk or explore the Maritime Trail.
Location: Scarborough, North/East Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Relax in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths
Use the next rainy day as an excuse for a spa treatment in these elaborate Turkish baths, recently restored to their former glory.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Cross the great viaduct to historic Knaresborough
Mysterious caves, a medieval castle and a magical spring that turns objects to stone are just a few reasons to visit this gorgeous riverside town.
Location: Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Venture into the gruesome York Dungeon
There’s spine-chilling fun to be had in this dungeon, where 2,000 horrible years of history are brought to life by grisly theatre and sudden frights.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Journey from coast to coast across England
A journey from coast to coast across Northern England takes you through stunning scenery and is an adventure you can make on foot or by bike.
Location: Various, North Yorkshire
Discover a world of winter adventures on the Yorkshire Coast
Enjoy a Yorkshire winter in a new light as you stretch your mind as well as your body on an activity break.
Location: North Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors
Discover the hidden gem of Grimwith Reservoir
Grimwith Reservoir is one of the Yorkshire Dales' hidden gems tucked away off the road between Grassington and Pateley Bridge.
Location: Near Grassington, North Yorkshire